National Hurricane Preparedness Week: Be ready for the storms ahead!

~ Red Cross Philly

By Terri Seydel

As the Atlantic hurricane season approaches, it’s time to refresh our knowledge and prepare for potential storms. National Hurricane Preparedness Week, observed from May 5 to May 11, 2024, serves as a crucial reminder to safeguard ourselves, our families, and our communities. Let’s dive into the essentials of hurricane preparedness and equip you with the necessary knowledge.

Red Cross graphic – Hurricane Watch: When hurricane conditions are a threat within 48 hours vs Hurricane Warning: When hurricane conditions are expected within 36 hours.

Understanding Your Risk

It’s vital to assess risk and begin your preparations early. Consider the following:

  1. Water & Wind:
    • Hurricanes bring wind damage and storm surges. Check to see if you live in a flood-prone area so you can understand your level of risk.
  2. Pre-Season Preparations:
    • Stock up on essential supplies like non-perishable food, water, medications, flashlights, and batteries.
    • Save copies of essential documents to the cloud to ensure you can access them if you need them.
    • Secure your home by reinforcing windows, doors, and roofs.
  3. Interpreting Forecasts and Alerts:
    • Understand the difference between a hurricane watch (favorable conditions) and a hurricane warning (imminent conditions) so you are prepared to understand emergency announcements.
    • Stay informed by monitoring weather forecasts and official alerts.
    • Customize your alerts using the Free Red Cross Emergency App. The app provides step-by-step guides and weather alerts and can help you locate nearby Red Cross shelters.
Red Cross graphic – Are you prepared for an emergency? Get a kit; make a plan; be informed.

The Red Cross Preparedness Checklist

Make sure you’re ready by taking proactive steps to prepare for potential storms. Here’s your checklist:

  1. Create an Emergency Kit:
    • Assemble an emergency supply of essentials, such as water, non-perishable food, first aid supplies, medications, and important documents.
    • Customize your kit based on your family’s unique needs. Don’t forget pet supplies!
  2. Make a Plan:
    • Discuss and practice your family disaster plan. Everyone should know evacuation routes, meeting points, and emergency contacts.
    • Teach children how to call 911 and what to do in an emergency.
  3. Be Informed:
    • Know which disasters are likely in your area. Hurricanes? Tornadoes? Earthquakes? Be prepared for them all.
    • Understand how climate change impacts these hazards.
Red Cross graphic – What should I do if the power goes out? What should I do if there’s a tornado? What should I put in an emergency kit? Get these answers fast! Download the Red Cross Emergency app.

Take Action Today

Don’t procrastinate—take action now! Here’s how:

  1. Download the Free Emergency App:
    • Available for both Apple and Android devices.
    • Customize weather alerts, find shelters, and stay informed.
    • Text “GETEMERGENCY” to 90999 or search “American Red Cross” in your app store.
  2. Learn Hands-Only CPR:
  3. Explore the Emergency Resource Library:
    • Dive deeper into specific hazards and learn what to do before, during, and after events like hurricanes, wildfires, and earthquakes.

Remember, being prepared won’t prevent a disaster but will give you the confidence to face it head-on. Let’s make this National Hurricane Preparedness Week count! 

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